It was announced with sadness last year that following a battle with cancer, former staff member Bob Esau passed away in February 2020.
Bob was a huge part of Shiplake’s history, having taught at the school for 27 years. He was a teacher of English and had a passion for rugby - coaching the first XV for almost ten years.
The Old Viking community were keen to honour Mr Esau and commemorate his service to the school. In retirement, he enjoyed looking back over the rugby squads he had coached and deciding his ‘dream team’ of players, so with his family's blessing and with the support of the College, it was decided that a memorial board listing Bob's ultimate first XV rugby squad would make a fitting tribute. The cost of the board was covered via donations from Old Vikings and anyone else who wished to contribute. The target of £650 was reached in just a few days - a real testament to Bob’s popularity and a reflection of the impact he’d had on so many.
The various lockdowns meant that there was a delay in the board being manufactured but we are pleased to announce that it has arrived safely and is now hanging proudly in Orchard House, where Bob was the founding Housemaster. We look forward to such a time when we can have visitors back on site so that Bob’s family and Old Vikings can see the board in person.
A year on from his death, Bob continues to be missed by so many, thank you to former staff member Peter Webb, for writing this tribute about his colleague and friend:
Bob was a man of many parts: English MA, Founder of the Rugby Club at Shiplake, in charge until 1978. In 1973, he was the producer of a literary magazine, ‘Contrasts’, in aid of charity, compiled of pieces written by major English writers of the time and Shiplake boys. Shiplake had never produced a literary work of such prestige. His creativity in financial matters was demonstrated when he founded the annual summer ball, which included parents, locals and friends of colleagues. From 1974-1978 he was the first Orchard Housemaster, a house for day boys; he declined to have the House named after him, which broke with tradition. Bob was Welsh Housemaster from 1978-1992 and major fundraiser for its refurbishment and extension. After he left the College he took over as secretary of the OVS until 2001.
I met Bob in the Autumn of 1975, when, fortunately for me, he was appointed my mentor for my final teaching practice. It was not long before I had taken over the majority of his timetable and become involved with Orchard House, its buildings: a Portacabin and a garden shed. He was a very supportive colleague.
Bob was approachable and he represented his colleagues when there was a problem. His open mindedness and his wish to see fair play was an example to all. It often became quite obvious that he could see the good in people and had the knack of fostering it.
He had a positive effect on the OVS because many former pupils wanted to support him, the OVS and their College. There were functions in London, an OVS ball at Shiplake, which was very well attended, as well as the usual sporting fixtures. The relaxed atmosphere which he created allowed all present to unwind and enjoy them.
He is remembered by: his Family, Friends, Pupils, Members of his Houses and his Colleagues.
